Short and Sweet. . .

I was thrilled to have new design 'Hope' photographed for the new St. Ermins Hotel.  This dramatic Central London venue is the perfect setting for a chic city wedding.
 
I'm increasingly asked for tea length gowns, and Hope has that sweet little 50's vibe that is so now. The roll collar jacket gives a twist to a strapless gown.  If you prefer, you can of course order Hope with a full length skirt.
 
You can find Hope at these lovely boutiques:
 
Sharon Hoey, Dublin
White Mischief, Henfield
Petticoat Lane Bridal, Hillsborough, Co. Down
Evangeline Rose Bridal, Godalming

Fabulous Faye. . .

Lace has never been more in the bridal fashion spotlight, but it also has a timeless appeal.

Faye features and elegant high neckline with the surprise of a plunging v back, and a dramatic sweeping train, all made in soft cotton rose lace.  Classic vintage at it's very best.

Faye is available at:

Blackburn Bridal Couture, London
Petticoat Lane Bridal, County Down, N. Ireland
Lamesley Bridal, Edinburgh
Evangeline Rose Bridal, Godalming
White Mischief, Henfield
Conleigh Bridalwear, Stockbridge

My 2012 collection is inspired by the elegance of 1960's fashion, where vintage meets glamour,  Audrey Hepburn meets Doris Day!  Lace of course features strongly throughout the range, and I have introduced more sparkle and shine by using beaded Chantilly lace.

Double duchesse satin is soft with a subtle sheen that perfectly complements the twinkly lace.   While strapless styles have an enduring appeal, more and more brides that visit my boutique have been asking for something different.  Whether it be a sleeve, boat neck or jacket, I have tried to introduce an elegant alternative to the strapless bodice. 

I adore the novelty floral applique lace of Primrose, it's so fresh and makes a very strong 1960's statement.  I have used bows and belts to define the waist, and many of the gowns feature a neat true waist seam.  

1. a delicate decorative fabric made from cotton, silk, etc, woven in an open web of different symmetrical patterns and figures

But it’s so much more. Lace is romantic, tactile, sophisticated, classic, soft, vintage,  luxurious and so essentially bridal.

I love working in lace, as my Vintage and Classic collections clearly show.  The most beautiful laces I use remind me of nature, of things I see and love everyday on a walk by the river. 

The sparkling beaded lace of Lola and Chablis is delicately patterned with fern fronds and leaves under the shimmering dewdrop beads.

Cobwebs remind me of the web of threads in the Jasmine lace; even touching it feels like the soft and slightly cottony feel that you get when you brush against a spider’s cleverly spun web.

The intricate border of Lopez is prettily patterned with tulips, intertwined with a filigree of leaves, petals and fronds.

And of course Rosa, Gypsy and Faye, worked in French cotton rose patterned lace, photograph like damask, the pattern is so clear.  Nothing says vintage more than roses, which explains the enduring popularity of this soft and romantic lace.

A fine lace gown lets it’s lovely base fabric shine through, so changes and performs throughout the wedding day.  Beaded Chantilly lace gowns come to life in the evening light, when the sparkle and shimmer of the clear beads takes over from the glow of the satin beneath. 

Clever godets of lace in a hem move softly when the bride is gently walking, but then swirl and fly when it comes time for the dancing!

Ribbons and Bows...
What a difference a sash makes! A wide satin sash can transform a simple gown, by adding a chic accent of sheen, colour or both. It's an ideal way to make your look individual, by incorporating a shade that is special to you, or one that suggests a particular look. Adding a sharp black sash is a very sophisticated statement, reminiscent of the 1950's and Chanel; add a pair of long black gloves and it's Breakfast at Tiffany's! Adding a subtle tone of mink, mulberry, or antique pink gives your look a very vintage feel.

We cut our silk satin sashes on the bias so they take on the shape of the body, emphasising the waist rather than adding bulk. If your bouquet is your special accessory for walking down the aisle, you can add the sash and bow for the evening, completely changing your look. Many of my brides choose two sashes, one tonal for the daytime, and a contrasting one for the evening. There are so many luscious satin colours to choose from; vibrant jewel tones, subtle earth tones and of course classic scarlett and black.